Bikes

[greenslime89]

Those guys were riding one gear road bikes, they had brakes.

 

 

 

I'm aware of what a fixed wheel bike is. See my first post relating to this matter. But they couldn't have stopped in time for junctions at the speeds they were traveling at. Have a look at 1:55 of the video and tell me that they could have stopped in time had those cars been in the way. They got away with that by the skin of their teeth. I'd say that it should be a requirement for bikes ridden on the road (all bikes) to be fitted with brakes. Because there is no way in hell that that guy at 1:55 could have avoided a collision had the cars been slightly ahead of where they were when he arrived. Whenever I use the road, bike or car, I ride/drive within my limits. Not at the very edge of the limits as I like to think "what if...?" If you're riding/driving at you and your vehicles limits and something unexpected happens, what more have you got to give?

 

 

 

All motor vehicles on the road today have to undergo some form of testing to see whether they are road worthy. It should be the same for bikes in an ideal world.

 

 

 

I'm pretty sure they could have stopped before they hit the cars, even without brakes it's not impossible. Have you ever ridden a track bike before? Many track bikes have no brakes and they cause the rider to be more alert of his surroundings, and the persons reaction to most things increases while they are riding. Even though they look like they're riding like maniacs, (which they were) they still can see if cars are coming in the intersection way before they actually get to it.

 

 

 

Also, bikes have guidelines for what is and isn't acceptable before they are sold. The bikes are tested before they are sold, and after they are sold an annual standard tune up should get the bike running like new. Many of the bikes that seem unsafe are usually modified by the owner, not by the manufacturer.

 

 

 

I learned on an old fixed wheel bike but that was so long ago, I haven't ridden a track bike before but I know the principles. It's comparable to driving a car with no brakes, only with slightly more control. In a car you'd use engine braking using the resistance of the engine to slow it down. On the bike, the engine is obviously the rider's legs. So they would have to slow down, but not stop the forward pedaling since stopping would cause a skid. Though a google search of emergency stops on fixed wheel bikes suggests that that is the way to stop. I'm not sure whether it's possible to have a system that, in an emergency, the rider can disengage the drive and use ordinary brakes. Another google search would suggest the "flip-flop hub" might be an option.

 

I don't think that a skid is something that should be relied upon in emergency situations, and there must be a better, and safer way.

 

 

 

Also - Kudos to the German Traffic Police who are confiscating fixed wheeled bikes that are used on public roads. =D>

 

 

 

These guys aren't harming you and haven't come close to harming anyone else as of yet, so what's the big deal. This topic was created to discuss cycling as a hobby, questions, advice etc, all you've done now is turn this into a rant and all though still related to cycling, this current topic were speaking of (cycling safety) wasn't intended for this actual topic.

 

 

 

I'd say the guy at 1:55 came close to harming himself and others (whether physically or emotionally). I agree I've gone off at a tangent but it's a valid one as I see it. Road cycling isn't the safest pass-time and I get annoyed by people doing dangerous things and people thinking that's incredible.

[Range_This11]

 

I'd say the guy at 1:55 came close to harming himself and others (whether physically or emotionally). I agree I've gone off at a tangent but it's a valid one as I see it. Road cycling isn't the safest pass-time and I get annoyed by people doing dangerous things and people thinking that's incredible.

 

Hahahaha, emotionally harming someone by recklessly riding a bike? Maybe a little adrenaline got leaked into the driver's veins but jeeze, that's about it. If people want to ride their bikes in an unconventional manner, what's it to you? They have just as many rights on the road as moronic drivers do.

[greenslime89]

 

I'd say the guy at 1:55 came close to harming himself and others (whether physically or emotionally). I agree I've gone off at a tangent but it's a valid one as I see it. Road cycling isn't the safest pass-time and I get annoyed by people doing dangerous things and people thinking that's incredible.

 

Hahahaha, emotionally harming someone by recklessly riding a bike? Maybe a little adrenaline got leaked into the driver's veins but jeeze, that's about it. If people want to ride their bikes in an unconventional manner, what's it to you? They have just as many rights on the road as moronic drivers do.

 

 

 

Let's say that the driver hits and kills the cyclist, through no fault of his own, the cyclist cuts them up, pulls out in front of them. If I were that driver I reckon I'd feel pretty guilty.

 

I've no problem with them killing themselves, but just don't do it off someone else's car. Even if the driver had no chance to save them the guilt would still be pretty crippling.

 

Reading between the lines here I'm gonna say that you think it's okay for cyclists to ride dangerously, with the reasoning: "they'll only kill/hurt themselves" but don't think it's okay for drivers to drive dangerously. Everyone using the road has a responsibility: to think about the safety of themselves and others and try their very best to keep everyone using the road safe.

[Range_This11]

I wouldn't feel guilty for hitting a person on a bike if they're acting like an idiot just like those guys were and I think that a person driving a car at its top speed recklessly is more dangerous than a fool on a bike going that bicycle's top speed.

[RichieMcD]

 

I'd say the guy at 1:55 came close to harming himself and others (whether physically or emotionally). I agree I've gone off at a tangent but it's a valid one as I see it. Road cycling isn't the safest pass-time and I get annoyed by people doing dangerous things and people thinking that's incredible.

 

Hahahaha, emotionally harming someone by recklessly riding a bike? Maybe a little adrenaline got leaked into the driver's veins but jeeze, that's about it. If people want to ride their bikes in an unconventional manner, what's it to you? They have just as many rights on the road as moronic drivers do.

 

 

 

Let's say that the driver hits and kills the cyclist, through no fault of his own, the cyclist cuts them up, pulls out in front of them. If I were that driver I reckon I'd feel pretty guilty.

 

I've no problem with them killing themselves, but just don't do it off someone else's car. Even if the driver had no chance to save them the guilt would still be pretty crippling.

 

Reading between the lines here I'm gonna say that you think it's okay for cyclists to ride dangerously, with the reasoning: "they'll only kill/hurt themselves" but don't think it's okay for drivers to drive dangerously. Everyone using the road has a responsibility: to think about the safety of themselves and others and try their very best to keep everyone using the road safe.

 

 

 

I don't want to sound negative, but your point is very clear, we know what you're getting at, it's been 1 page of basically saying you don't like fixies and you don't like reckless cyclists. Now can we please leave this topic to the talk about the positive sides of cycling instead of pointless arguments? Same goes to those continuing this argument.

[greenslime89]

 

I'd say the guy at 1:55 came close to harming himself and others (whether physically or emotionally). I agree I've gone off at a tangent but it's a valid one as I see it. Road cycling isn't the safest pass-time and I get annoyed by people doing dangerous things and people thinking that's incredible.

 

Hahahaha, emotionally harming someone by recklessly riding a bike? Maybe a little adrenaline got leaked into the driver's veins but jeeze, that's about it. If people want to ride their bikes in an unconventional manner, what's it to you? They have just as many rights on the road as moronic drivers do.

 

 

 

Let's say that the driver hits and kills the cyclist, through no fault of his own, the cyclist cuts them up, pulls out in front of them. If I were that driver I reckon I'd feel pretty guilty.

 

I've no problem with them killing themselves, but just don't do it off someone else's car. Even if the driver had no chance to save them the guilt would still be pretty crippling.

 

Reading between the lines here I'm gonna say that you think it's okay for cyclists to ride dangerously, with the reasoning: "they'll only kill/hurt themselves" but don't think it's okay for drivers to drive dangerously. Everyone using the road has a responsibility: to think about the safety of themselves and others and try their very best to keep everyone using the road safe.

 

 

 

I don't want to sound negative, but your point is very clear, we know what you're getting at, it's been 1 page of basically saying you don't like fixies and you don't like reckless cyclists. Now can we please leave this topic to the talk about the positive sides of cycling instead of pointless arguments? Same goes to those continuing this argument.

 

 

 

I don't dislike fixies, but they're not for city/town road use. So yes lets draw a line here. :)

 

 

 

How there can be a defense for unsafe, and dangerous road cycling I'll never know...

[Craiglowery]

 

I'd say the guy at 1:55 came close to harming himself and others (whether physically or emotionally). I agree I've gone off at a tangent but it's a valid one as I see it. Road cycling isn't the safest pass-time and I get annoyed by people doing dangerous things and people thinking that's incredible.

 

Hahahaha, emotionally harming someone by recklessly riding a bike? Maybe a little adrenaline got leaked into the driver's veins but jeeze, that's about it. If people want to ride their bikes in an unconventional manner, what's it to you? They have just as many rights on the road as moronic drivers do.

 

 

 

Let's say that the driver hits and kills the cyclist, through no fault of his own, the cyclist cuts them up, pulls out in front of them. If I were that driver I reckon I'd feel pretty guilty.

 

I've no problem with them killing themselves, but just don't do it off someone else's car. Even if the driver had no chance to save them the guilt would still be pretty crippling.

 

Reading between the lines here I'm gonna say that you think it's okay for cyclists to ride dangerously, with the reasoning: "they'll only kill/hurt themselves" but don't think it's okay for drivers to drive dangerously. Everyone using the road has a responsibility: to think about the safety of themselves and others and try their very best to keep everyone using the road safe.

 

 

 

I don't want to sound negative, but your point is very clear, we know what you're getting at, it's been 1 page of basically saying you don't like fixies and you don't like reckless cyclists. Now can we please leave this topic to the talk about the positive sides of cycling instead of pointless arguments? Same goes to those continuing this argument.

 

 

 

Oh God, yes. Now on a lighter note, I'm super excited because I just bought a new fixie! It's a Leader 721TR bike. I bought it used off of someone who built it up and didn't like the way it fit so now it's mine! It shipped today and I should have it within a week. \

 

[hide=]This isn't the bike im getting but its the same frame and almost exact components except im going to put some drops on it.[/hide]

[Ouchy]

[bleep]!!

 

 

 

Went to the skate park yesterday, and tried 180's. Got them in the end, but when I checked out my rim, it was severely buckled :cry:

[AndyPandy]

[bleep]!!

 

 

 

Went to the skate park yesterday, and tried 180's. Got them in the end, but when I checked out my rim, it was severely buckled :cry:

 

 

 

Where were you 180ing? Quarter pipe? Half Pipe?

 

 

 

Did you hang up?

[Ouchy]

Quarter pipe... Just dropped my bike in to get the wheel trued, but no bike for today and tomorrow :cry:

[AndyPandy]

Quarter pipe... Just dropped my bike in to get the wheel trued, but no bike for today and tomorrow :cry:

 

 

 

I hate that, sucks when everyone else is riding and you aren't.

 

 

 

What's your skatepark like?

 

 

 

My enarest one has a halfpipe at one end, with a roll in on one side, and a kicker on the other side. After the roll-in there is a kicker on one side of a box with a rail, and after that a flatbank. If you go down the kicker there is just a flat box and the a quarter at the other end. It's a tiny park, but we're getting the fence down for a day in August for a jam, sponsored by the local bike shop. Gonna be awesome.

[Ouchy]

The one I went to, is about 30 mins from my house, compared to 20 for the other. It's pretty crap, couple of bowls, a spine, and this random table like thing in the middle. It's full of punks, and I am lucky I didn't get jumped for my phone.

[RichieMcD]

Quarter pipe... Just dropped my bike in to get the wheel trued, but no bike for today and tomorrow :cry:

 

 

 

Nice one getting 1's down, but seriously, try and learn how to true a wheel. The biggest cause of loss in spoke tension lateral stress on the spoke, this mostly occurs from not landing square on, such as 1's, 3's etc. As you move onto bigger tricks now that you have 1's down, it's going to go under a lot more stress, so learning to true your wheels will allow you to save a lot of money but also it will mean less down time on the bike. 8-)

 

 

 

There's some good guides on the net, google is god.

[Ouchy]

I really need a trueing stand, and a place where I can actually work :x If the boat sells, I'll make a shed round the back :lol:

[indy500fan]

I bought a bike today for $100. Yep, it was a cheap Wal-mart bike. The handles are small, it doesn't shift very well and it likes to constantly make noise but I am happy with it for the price.

[RichieMcD]

I really need a trueing stand, and a place where I can actually work :x If the boat sells, I'll make a shed round the back :lol:

 

 

 

Having an actual space to keep your bikes and work on them is so nice, I have a shed behind my house with my 2 bikes and all the proper tools needed, I used to spend so much on workshop bills, now it's pretty much nothing and I even make the odd bit off repairing bikes for people.

 

 

 

Landed my first 3 today on my BMX, going to try perfect them tomorrow and might try some tailwhips.

[Craiglowery]

I really need a trueing stand, and a place where I can actually work :x If the boat sells, I'll make a shed round the back :lol:

 

 

 

Do you have a local bike kitchen or even a shop that will let you use a work space? We have a shop here that rents a space out for $20 an hour and lets you use a stand and every tool you can imagine to fix your bike, it's pretty sweet actually. They even rent out workers to teach you how to fix your bike too.

[RichieMcD]

Found this song today, it's pretty good, going to use it in my next video.

 

 

 

[yt]862Upwy-qYo[/yt]

 

 

 

Basically, it's TJ Laving (One of BMX's greatest rider) singing a tribute song he created for another rider Stephen Murray (Paralysed from the neck down after after a Bmx accident). Good song, if there's ever a song you'll actually buy off Itunes this should be the one, as the money goes towards helping Steve!

[Ouchy]

Anybody else watching Crank Worx live? :)

 

http://www.pinkbike.com/

 

 

 

And just got my bike back...with my new DT SWISS FR 6.10 Rim! \ Super light :pray:

[AndyPandy]

Learning to footjam tailwhip today. It's really hard on 24" wheels with 26" forks. My foot actually gets stuck most of the time. I have managed to get it all the way round, but not before jumping off.

[Ouchy]

Learning to footjam tailwhip today. It's really hard on 24" wheels with 26" forks. My foot actually gets stuck most of the time. I have managed to get it all the way round, but not before jumping off.

 

 

 

You sound like you nearly have it :) Keep at it for a bit longer, and you should nearly have them down.

[BeatleMusic]

I ride a 1983 style Speed Bicycle (With 1.125" tires and a hollow frame)

 

 

 

It's really light, and when I am on a good quality road, I can easily get up to 40 MPH (Assuming I'm wearing a helmet and other relative safety equipment, of course!)

 

 

 

It's been holding up for over 26 years, and it is still going strong. I have only had to make minor fixes on it. Otherwise it is still in great quality!

 

 

 

Although I am not going to be your next Tour De France participant, I still call myself a frequent rider, and I try to ride around my community when I can. It is definitely a great exercise.

[Lenticular_J]

I can get down the street. It's exciting me. I only learned how last week, and I only started biking often yesterday. I go for about 30 minute stretches, because I try and go faster and faster. I can't hop curbs or anything, I go through the street and up driveways if I need on the sidewalk. I live in a residential area, so I really just have to watch out for people pulling out of the driveway. Wide roads.

 

 

 

I have some Wal-mart mountain bike of my brother's. It has a bad seat because it was built for, you know, mountain biking. I might be getting my own soon though, because my parents have noticed how much I like it. Too bad I won't be able to ride it to school. Bikes get stolen a lot.

[Ouchy]

I ride a 1983 style Speed Bicycle (With 1.125" tires and a hollow frame)

 

 

 

It's really light, and when I am on a good quality road, I can easily get up to 40 MPH (Assuming I'm wearing a helmet and other relative safety equipment, of course!)

 

 

 

It's been holding up for over 26 years, and it is still going strong. I have only had to make minor fixes on it. Otherwise it is still in great quality!

 

 

 

Although I am not going to be your next Tour De France participant, I still call myself a frequent rider, and I try to ride around my community when I can. It is definitely a great exercise.

 

 

 

Other equipment? Enlighten me on what else you wear? The typical road cyclist I see wears a aerodynamic helmet, and uber thing clothes. :P

[BeatleMusic]

I ride a 1983 style Speed Bicycle (With 1.125" tires and a hollow frame)

 

 

 

It's really light, and when I am on a good quality road, I can easily get up to 40 MPH (Assuming I'm wearing a helmet and other relative safety equipment, of course!)

 

 

 

It's been holding up for over 26 years, and it is still going strong. I have only had to make minor fixes on it. Otherwise it is still in great quality!

 

 

 

Although I am not going to be your next Tour De France participant, I still call myself a frequent rider, and I try to ride around my community when I can. It is definitely a great exercise.

 

 

 

Other equipment? Enlighten me on what else you wear? The typical road cyclist I see wears a aerodynamic helmet, and uber thing clothes. :P

The only time I will be going 40MPH is if I am in some type of competition, such as a bike-a-thon, etc.

 

 

 

If I'm just going out for a casual ride around my community, the only piece of safety equipment I usually wear is my helmet. When I'm going around my community though, I probably will not exceed 25MPH at any given time.